Echoes @ Butley Priory


ECHOES – Music, walk and poetry to respond to the magical and spiritual atmosphere of an amazing 12th Century site.

Composer and improviser Frances Shelley (www.francesshelley.com) alongside soundscape designer Matthew Bickerton and artist Pauline Bickerton paulinebickerton.com.

American poet and writer Genevieve Katherine lead a 45 minute walk around the Priory grounds and ruins, with short intervals for readings of her new works, some poems being especially written for the occasion. Geneviève is a spoken word artist who works from nature, ritual, and the simple truths of our mundane and mythic existence.

Then it was back to the log fire in the Great Hall, for an improvised performance on two pianos and various keyboards and computers by Frances and extraordinary soundscape artist Matthew Bickerton The incredible stone vaulted Great Hall became an installation in itself with film projection and lighting accompanying the music.

The aim of both poetry and musical performances will be to respond to, capture, and express in the various mediums of the artists, the magical and spiritual atmosphere of this 12 Century site, at the darkest, most still, and most regenerative time of the year leading up to the Winter Solstice.

Supported by the Suffolk County Council.